Tributes have been paid to Nottinghamshire motorcyclist Dan Hegarty after he died in a crash at the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The 31-year-old superbike rider was racing for Topgun Racing Honda in the event in China when he came off his bike and was seriously injured. He died on his way to hospital.

His partner Lucy Draycott announced his death on her Facebook page, saying: “It is with a broken heart to tell you that the love of my life passed away this morning.

“I just need time to take in what has happened and would appreciate if people could just be patient with me and wait for contact.”

Tributes have been paid from across the sport, with Formula 3 champion Lando Norris tweeting: “Awful news Rest In Peace Daniel Hegarty. Thoughts and prayers with your family and friends in this tough time.”

Fellow rider Glenn Irwin, who was awarded the race win after it was cancelled following the crash, described the victory as ‘irrelevant’ on hearing the news.

Video: Dan Hegarty speaking to Christian Hewgill in August 2016 about TT riding.

He tweeted: “My thoughts are with Dan Hegarty’s Family, team and friends. God Speed mate #racingfamily”

Last year Dan told Notts TV’s Sports Week about his love of TT riding on the Isle of Man.

He said: “It’s a life commitment. On the Isle of Man there’s just under 38 miles on the course is and you face stone bridges, walls, and you can do over 200 different corners on the circuit.

“Your average speed can be 128.5 mph it is exhilarating but dangerous – you are putting your life in your own hands.